2023-24 FAFSA Checklist

This checklist will prepare you to fill out the 2023-24 FAFSA.
Anna Helhoski
By Anna Helhoski 
Updated
Edited by Karen Gaudette Brewer

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🤓Nerdy Tip

When can I update my FAFSA application? The redesigned FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year is available at FAFSA.gov. Due to major processing delays, you won't be able to make changes to your submitted FAFSA until the first half of April, at the soonest.

You can still submit the 2023-24 FAFSA until June 30, 2024.

Find the description below that matches your citizenship and dependency status to figure out which documents you will need to fill out the FAFSA for the 2023-24 school year. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for federal aid.

Student loans from our partners

Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan logo
Check Rate

on Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

4.5% - 15.49%

Min. credit score 

Mid-600's

Check Rate

on Sallie Mae

College Ave Private Student Loan logo
Check Rate

on College Ave

College Ave

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
College Ave Private Student Loan logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

4.07% - 15.48%

Min. credit score 

Mid-600s

Check Rate

on College Ave

Ascent Private Student Loan logo
Check Rate

on Ascent

Ascent

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Ascent Private Student Loan logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

4.09% - 15.71%

Min. credit score 

Low-Mid 600s

Check Rate

on Ascent

If you are a U.S. citizen and dependent student

  • Your Social Security card.

  • Your driver's license (if you have one).

  • Your 2021 W-2 forms.

  • Your 2021 federal income tax return.

  • Your 2021 untaxed income records.

  • Your current bank statements.

  • Your parents' federal income tax return.

  • Your parents' 2021 W-2 forms.

  • Your parents' bank statements.

  • Your parents' untaxed income records.

  • Your parents' current business and investment records.

If you are a U.S. citizen and independent student

  • Your Social Security card.

  • Your driver's license (if you have one).

  • Your 2021 W-2 forms.

  • Your 2021 federal income tax return.

  • Your 2021 untaxed income records.

  • Your current bank statements.

If you are a dependent student, but not a U.S. citizen

  • Your driver's license (if you have one).

  • Your 2021 W-2 forms.

  • Your 2021 federal income tax return.

  • Your 2021 untaxed income records.

  • Your current bank statements.

  • Your parents' federal income tax return.

  • Your parents' 2021 W-2 forms.

  • Your parents' bank statements.

  • Your parents' untaxed income records.

  • Your parents' current business and investment records.

If you are an independent student, but not a U.S. citizen

  • Your driver's license (if you have one).

  • Your 2021 W-2 forms.

  • Your 2021 federal income tax return.

  • Your 2021 untaxed income records.

  • Your current bank statements.

How to answer FAFSA questions based on your status

Family structure (dependent students):

Family structure (independent students):

Immigration status:

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